19th-century Sikh warrior turban on display in UK

A Sikh warrior turban from the 19th century is on display at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in the British city of Coventry.

The 20-yard-long turban is on loan from the British Museum to the Herbert Museum and will remain on display till November 17.

The headgear, known as Dastaar Boonga, is typical of the original Sikh warriors, the Akali nihangs.The turban's tall, conical structure is like a tower or fortress which would protect both the hair and the head in battle.

"The ornaments on this Sikh 'fortress' turban include a modified Rattray battalion badge, which suggests that it may have an association with the British army battalion raised by Captain Thomas Rattray in Lahore in 1856," the Art Daily newspaper quoted exhibition officer Jessica Pinson as saying.

Its conical shape would allow warriors to store weapons such as daggers, swords and metal-throwing discs for easy access in battle. The exhibition gives the public a chance to learn about Sikh history and celebrate the city's social diversity.